PLDT Group’s Leah Besa Jimenez named Cyber Woman of the Year at PhilSec 2026

PLDT Group’s push for trusted digital services gained fresh recognition as Leah Besa Jimenez, Chief Data Privacy Officer, was named Cyber Woman of the Year at the PhilSec 2026 Awards, highlighting the company’s leadership in cybersecurity and data privacy.

The award places Jimenez among the country’s top cybersecurity leaders, recognized for advancing data privacy and strengthening digital trust within the PLDT Group. Held at the Manila Marriott Hotel, PhilSec is the Philippines’ leading cybersecurity summit, bringing together industry leaders, government officials, and technology stakeholders.

“This recognition honors the work that we do at PLDT,” Jimenez said, emphasizing that privacy sits at the core of the company’s cybersecurity strategy. “It has always been about trust,” she said, noting that every piece of personal data represents an individual whose information must be handled with care.

Under her leadership, the PLDT Group has embedded privacy across operations—from product design to customer engagement. “We continue to build a culture where data protection is not merely a legal obligation but a shared responsibility,” she added. “Technology alone cannot protect privacy… trust is ultimately built by people,” she said.

She added that protecting data is ultimately about people: “Protecting data means protecting human rights and ultimately human dignity.”

The recognition also reflects the growing role of women in cybersecurity leadership, with Jimenez helping drive more inclusive and values-driven leadership in the sector. PLDT and Smart continue to strengthen cybersecurity through investments in infrastructure, governance, and employee awareness. By embedding privacy-by-design and enhancing threat detection, the Group aims to better protect customers, including children, from evolving cyber risks and online sexual abuse and exploitation —supporting responsible innovation and long-term sustainability. “Our goal was never simply compliance, but to earn and preserve trust always,” Jimenez said.

PMA Ramps up Cybersecurity Awareness With #BeCyberSmart

PLDT and Smart are helping the Philippine Military Academy strengthen its cyber resilience by training personnel to #BeCyberSmart. The PMA Information and Communications Technology Center (ICT) recently held an ICT Education and Enhancement Training for the academy's administrative personnel, equipping them with practical skills to recognize and respond to evolving cyber threats.

"As technology continues to evolve, everyone must be aware of the risks that come with it,” said Lt. Col. Harold G. Ricacho, Director of PMA Information and Communications Technology Center. “Cybersecurity is not just about technology. It starts with people who know how to spot scams, protect their privacy, and use digital platforms responsibly. The more informed we are, the stronger our cyber defense becomes."

PLDT and Smart led discussions on identifying scams and fraudulent activities. The workshop particularly focused on social engineering, a form of cyberattack that manipulates victims into revealing sensitive information by exploiting human emotions to gain their trust, create fear, or a sense of urgency. Victims may end up unknowingly disclosing login credentials, downloading malicious files, or transferring money to perpetrators. Phishing, love scams, and investment scams are among the most common forms of social engineering.

The 2025 Threat Landscape Report by the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) found that phishing accounted for 60% of identified initial attack methods across nearly 4,900 analyzed cybersecurity incidents, underscoring how attackers often exploit people to breach systems.

"PLDT and Smart help organizations ward off cyberattacks by developing a cybersecurity culture," said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Engagement at PLDT and Smart. "#BeCyberSmart raises cybersecurity awareness among ordinary Filipinos, so they become less vulnerable to being exploited by criminals."

#BeCyberSmart is part of PLDT and Smart's #KonektedforSaferInternet program, which aims to help the public protect their digital lives by raising awareness of online threats, scams, and cyberattacks. Since its launch in 2018, the initiative has reached more than 140,000 Filipinos through cybersecurity awareness campaigns.

The initiative complements the PLDT Group's cyber defenses, which fended off more than 2 billion cyberattacks in the first half of the year. Its Cyber Security Operations Group also blocked more than 150 billion attempts to open malicious sites.

The training forms part of the PLDT Group's broader efforts to promote cybersecurity awareness among schools, communities, businesses, and government institutions, recognizing that informed users remain a critical line of defense against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

Lenovo Unveils Intelligent Command Center to Power FIFA World Cup 2026 Operations

In support of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Lenovo has introduced a groundbreaking technology platform designed to help manage what is expected to be the largest and most complex FIFA World Cup™ in history. The company recently unveiled its Intelligent Command Center (ICC), a centralized, real-time operations platform designed to provide FIFA officials with complete visibility into tournament activities while improving coordination, decision-making, and operational efficiency.

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ will break new ground with 48 participating national teams, 104 matches, 16 host cities, and three host countries. Managing an event of this scale requires seamless communication, instant access to information, and the ability to respond quickly to changing situations. Lenovo's Intelligent Command Center aims to meet these demands by bringing together data from multiple operational systems into one unified platform.

Instead of relying on fragmented information sources, the ICC consolidates critical operational data into a single real-time dashboard. This allows FIFA executives and tournament operations teams to access a comprehensive view of ongoing activities, ensuring that everyone works from the same set of accurate and up-to-date information. By eliminating information silos, the platform enhances collaboration across departments and enables faster, more informed decisions.

Lenovo played a key role in designing and developing the ICC, integrating multiple data streams, customized dashboards, and advanced decision-support tools. These features provide tournament officials with reliable operational visibility, helping them monitor logistics, venue operations, transportation, security coordination, and other mission-critical functions throughout the tournament.

The platform is designed to deliver value beyond live event monitoring. Lenovo highlighted that the ICC also supports cross-functional collaboration, allowing different operational teams to coordinate more effectively before and during matches. Additionally, the system enables match-day scenario planning, helping organizers prepare for potential disruptions and respond efficiently when unexpected situations arise.

Another important capability of the Intelligent Command Center is its support for post-event analysis. By collecting and analyzing operational data throughout the tournament, FIFA can evaluate performance, identify areas for improvement, and apply valuable insights to future international sporting events. This continuous feedback loop strengthens operational excellence while helping organizers refine best practices.

With the launch of the Intelligent Command Center, Lenovo reinforces its commitment to delivering innovative technology solutions that enable large-scale global events to operate more efficiently. As the FIFA World Cup 2026™ approaches, the ICC is expected to play a vital role in ensuring smooth tournament execution while showcasing how advanced digital platforms can transform sports event management through real-time intelligence, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making.

Eastern Communications Highlights Digital Infrastructure as Driver of Regional Growth at CLICKCONEX 2026

NAGA CITY — Eastern Communications underscored the role of digital infrastructure in accelerating regional development during the 10th Convergence of Luzon ICT Champions Conference and Exhibit (CLICKCONEX) 2026.

Co-organized by the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP), the Naga City Government, and the ICT Council of Bicol, the conference brought together leaders from government, industry, and the technology sector to discuss digital development and regional competitiveness.

The event featured a distinguished roster of keynote speakers, including Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, and Senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan.

As one of the conference’s keynote speakers, Eastern’s Chief Revenue and Innovation Officer, Edsel Paglinawan. Paglinawan discussed how telecommunications infrastructure has evolved from a basic utility into a strategic enabler of innovation, economic growth, and regional digital transformation.

In his presentation, "Beyond Connectivity: Telecommunications Infrastructure as the Growth Engine of Regional Economies," Paglinawan said a nation's progress has traditionally been measured through physical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, airports, and seaports that connect people and commerce. Today, he said, digital infrastructure has become equally critical, enabling the country to connect with the global economy and supporting innovation, productivity, and inclusive regional development.

“Whether it is building international connectivity, strengthening network resiliency, supporting hyperscaler investments, or enabling digital ecosystems, these require collaboration across the industry,” Paglinawan mentions.

As technology continues to evolve, telecommunications companies are the frontliners witnessing how digital infrastructure has transformed from a utility into a growth engine, enabling economic resilience and regional competitiveness. More than connecting people and businesses, telecommunications now empower innovation ecosystems, expand access to digital services, and create opportunities for communities to thrive. For Eastern Communications, the challenge is no longer proving the value of digital infrastructure but ensuring that its benefits are accessible to every Filipino.

“At Eastern Communications, we remain committed to being partners in that journey. Because beyond connectivity, our mission is to help build stronger regions, more competitive businesses, and a more digitally empowered Philippines,” said Paglinawan.

Eastern Communications continues to expand its digital infrastructure and ICT solutions to help businesses and communities accelerate digital transformation across the Philippines.

To learn more about how Eastern Communications is helping organizations build future-ready digital infrastructure, visit www.eastern.com.ph.

Business Leaders Encourage Filipinos to Embrace Digital Commerce as ECOMEX 2026 Launches

The Philippines continues to strengthen its position in the digital economy as industry leaders officially launched E-Commerce Expo Philippines (ECOMEX) 2026, a nationwide platform designed to empower entrepreneurs, online sellers, and digital innovators. During the July 9 media and ecosystem launch, experts emphasized that success in today's business landscape depends on embracing digital commerce, continuous learning, and personal branding.

Powered by PHILSME and organized by MediaTrix Solutions Inc., ECOMEX 2026 will take place on November 20–21, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center Aura in Taguig City. The event aims to connect entrepreneurs with industry experts, technology providers, investors, and government agencies to help businesses thrive in an increasingly digital marketplace.

The virtual launch gathered more than 40 international, regional, and local media organizations through Zoom and social media livestreams. Speakers shared valuable insights on entrepreneurship, branding, innovation, and the importance of building strong business communities.

Financial educator and entrepreneur Coach Chinkee Tan encouraged aspiring business owners to overcome their fear of technology and focus on creating value.

"Everybody starts with one follower," Tan reminded participants, emphasizing that every successful digital business begins with small but consistent steps. He stressed that consumers invest in trusted brands rather than products alone, making credibility, lifelong learning, and adaptability essential qualities for entrepreneurs. He also encouraged business owners to attend industry events where they can gain practical knowledge, build meaningful relationships, and discover new growth opportunities.

Digital entrepreneur and content strategist Reymond "Boss RDR" Delos Santos described ECOMEX as more than just another business conference.

According to Delos Santos, ECOMEX represents a movement that celebrates Filipino entrepreneurs who are transforming their lives through digital commerce. He noted that online businesses continue to generate employment, strengthen local communities, and inspire more Filipinos to pursue entrepreneurship. Through ECOMEX, participants can learn directly from experienced professionals while discovering emerging technologies and best practices.

Meanwhile, Trixie Esguerra-Abrenilla, Founder and Organizer of ECOMEX and CEO and Managing Director of PHILSME, highlighted that modern e-commerce requires much more than simply selling products online. She explained that entrepreneurs must understand the complete customer journey—from attracting customers and increasing conversions to fulfillment, customer retention, and long-term brand development.

The initiative also received support from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through E-Commerce Bureau Director Eryl Royce Nagtalon, who emphasized the importance of collaboration in building a secure and trusted digital economy.

With exhibitor, sponsorship, speaking, and partnership opportunities now open, ECOMEX 2026 aims to become a long-term platform where entrepreneurs, educators, technology companies, investors, and government organizations can collaborate to shape the future of Philippine digital commerce.